Canvas vs. Canvass: Fabric or Survey?

The Distinction

• Canvas = a sturdy fabric used for painting, tents, and bags
• Canvass = to solicit votes, opinions, or orders; to survey thoroughly

Using Canvas

“Canvas” is the material:

• “The artist painted on a large canvas.” ✓
• “We packed our gear in a canvas bag.” ✓
• “The tent was made of heavy canvas.” ✓
• “She stretched the canvas over the frame.” ✓

Using Canvass

“Canvass” is the action of seeking opinions or examining thoroughly:

• “Volunteers will canvass the neighborhood for votes.” ✓
• “The team canvassed local businesses for donations.” ✓
• “We need to canvass opinions before making a decision.” ✓
• “The police canvassed the area for witnesses.” ✓

As a noun, “canvass” can also mean the act of surveying:

• “The door-to-door canvass yielded valuable data.” ✓

Memory Trick

• Canvas = one S, like one piece of fabric
• Canvass = two S’s, like going to see (solicit) many people

Quick Test

• Talking about material or a painting surface? → canvas
• Talking about surveying or soliciting? → canvass